Profile photo of Henrietta B. Ganswith

Henrietta B. Ganswith

AugAugust 26th, 1950 JanJanuary 9th, 2026
Last Schenectady, NY
Henrietta B. Ganswith

In God's hands, and forever in our hearts.

Obituary

Henrietta B. Ganswith, 75, was called home on January 9, 2026 at Ellis Hospital, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born in Schenectady, New York, she was the beloved daughter of the late Henry and Florence Williams. Henrietta graduated from Technical High School in Scranton, Pennsylvania. She continued her education at Ellis School of Nursing in Schenectady, where she earned her Licensed Practical Nurse degree. She dedicated 44 years of compassionate service to the nursing profession before retiring in 2014.

Affectionately known as “Ettabea” by close family and friends, Henrietta became lovingly known to many as “everyone’s Nana.” She was the rock of her family—selfless, steadfast, and deeply devoted to caring for others. Her thoughtfulness and empathy never wavered, and she embodied what it truly meant to be a servant of God. Her radiant smile brightened every room she entered. She was a spiritual motivator who led by example. She navigated life’s seasons with grace, freely shared scripture, faithfully prayed over her family, and proudly celebrated the achievements of her children and grandchildren. Their biggest fan, she was a constant source of encouragement, love, and strength. Her presence will be deeply missed.

She is survived by her siblings, Johnell Marion and sister-in-law Marilyn Marion (wife of the late Ronald Marion); her two children, Marcus Ganswith (fiancé Starla Reed) and Chonita Ganswith (partner Rayshone Tucker-Davis); close family members Samantha Vandervort (husband Jermaine Vandervort); and six beloved grandchildren: Kyra, Mikayla, and Dru Ganswith, and Malik, Markice, and Maurice Tucker. She is also survived by cousins, childhood friends, and a host of dear friends and extended family.

She is reunited in heaven with her beloved husband, Gary Ganswith, and her siblings Ronald Marion and Dorisann Mooring.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Monday, January 19, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie, NY 12205. A funeral service will immediately follow at 12:00 p.m. Interment will take place at Vale Cemetery in Schenectady, New York. See information at the bottom of this page. 

To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit newcomeralbany.com or post on this page. 

Thanks to Attendees and Pallbearers 

With heartfelt gratitude, we thank our family members who will serve as pallbearers. Your love, strength, and support will carry far more than the casket, honoring our shared memories, devotion, and respect for Henrietta.

We also extend our sincere thanks to all who attend the services, share their support, and keep our family in their thoughts and prayers.

Dedication to Future Generations

We located scripture Henrietta wrote in a notebook. Her dedication to her children and grandchildren was evident in everything she did. See Ephesians 3:20-21 and family tree. 

Gallery


Videos

Memory Wall

We want this memorial page to be interactive. Henrietta kept photos, business cards, and event keep sakes of her family and friends in her belongings and room.

She would love to see us sharing photos including her and/or of family. This page and those who knew her will keep her memory alive. Please post a message and/or share your memories and photos in this section or the "gallery section." 

www.newcomeralbany.com/obituaries/henrietta-ganswith (formal obituary posted on funeral home page with more posts at the bottom). 


January 12, 2026
Pinned
Please feel free to add your photos and memories, we would love to see them.
Kyra Ganswith
January 19, 2026
My Condolences love you
Jessica
January 18, 2026
Nana, your soft demeanor and gentle spirit comforted everyone around you. Your smile could light up any room. You will be deeply missed by so many but, we rejoice knowing you are resting peacefully in the arms of the Lord.
Shi Brown
January 13, 2026
You will always be a ray of sunshine and a light in my life. Thank you for everything Nana. In Gods and you rest, in our hearts you live on forever. ❤️
Mikayla R. Ganswith
January 13, 2026
Abuelita, we only met once at Hamilton College during Kyra and I’s time there but you were a ray of sunshine! I know you’re in heaven warming us with that beautiful smile every morning. Thank you for gracing me with your lovely presence.
Amour Castillo

Partial Family Tree

Other family members
Samantha Vandervort
Mother to Kyra, Mikayla, and Dru Ganswith. Wife to Jermaine Vandervort
Rayshone Tucker-Davis
Partner to Chonita and father to Malik, Markice, and Maurice Tucker
Starla Reed
Fiancé to Marcus and mother of his future step daughter:  Mikaela R. (spouse Ricky)
Florence Williams (Mitchel)
Henry Williams
Gary Ganswith
Dorisann Mooring (Williams)
Johnell Marion*  
Chonita Ganswith 
Children
Malik Tucker
Markice Tucker
Maurice Tucker
Marcus Ganswith
Children
Kyra Ganswith
Mikayla Ganswith
Dru Ganswith
Ronald Marion*
Dorisann Mooring (Williams)
Johnell Marion*  
Ronald Marion*
Gary Ganswith
Chonita Ganswith 
Malik Tucker
Markice Tucker
Maurice Tucker
Marcus Ganswith
Kyra Ganswith
Mikayla Ganswith
Dru Ganswith
Henrietta Ganswith

Service and Arrangements 


Please join us as we gather to honor and give thanks for a life beautifully lived. Though we part for a moment, we take comfort in the promise that she has gone home to rest in eternal peace.

As we reflect with thanksgiving and hope, your presence would be a blessing to us during this sacred time of remembrance and celebration. RSVP not needed.
Public Viewing and Service
Location
New Comer Cremations & Funerals -
343 New Karner Rd, Colonie, NY 12205
Date/time
1/19/2026 at 11am (viewing) 12pm (service)
Burial 
Location
Vale Cemetery -
907 State St. Schenectady, NY 12307

Plot location can be provided upon request 
Date/time
1/19/2026 (after service)
Repass 
Location
Address to be provided to those attending - Latham, NY
Date/time
1/19/2026 time tbd 
RSVP
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